Transfiguration: A Mountain Top Experience Series

Scripture - Matt 17:1-13 “Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. 2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. 4 Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials[a]—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” 6 The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground. 7 Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus. 9 As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man[b] has been raised from the dead.” 10 Then his disciples asked him, “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?[c]”11 Jesus replied, “Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, but he wasn’t recognized, and they chose to abuse him. And in the same way they will also make the Son of Man suffer.” 13 Then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptist.

Introduction: We now come to the amazing account of the transfiguration of Christ on the mountain. This dramatic event marks a major turning point in the gospel narratives, for Jesus was beginning to turn more and more to Jerusalem and the suffering and death that awaited Him there. But before all of that would take place, there was this glimpse of glory. And we read in the New Testament that it was because of the glory that was set before Him He was able to endure the cross. The revelation of Christ’s glory in this chapter was a clear confirmation to the disciples of the truth of Peter’s confession of faith (16:16); but it was also a great encouragement for Christ Himself as He faced the agony that would occur on another hill called Golgotha.

All three of the so-called synoptic gospels have essentially the same thing; but they each chose to tell the account in their own way according to their purpose. Our focus will be on what Matthew actually says; but we will interpret it in line with all the reports of what happened. The journey to the top of Mount Tabor was necessary. Our blessed Lord for the most part led a life of humility; but on this occasion, His divine nature was in full display. Lest the disciples should altogether forget his divine nature, Jesus drew aside the curtain, and revealed a measure of his majesty. This he did in a special manner upon the holy mount. The Apostles' experience at the Transfiguration reminds us that no matter how powerful a spiritual experience is, the time comes when we must come down off the mountain and rejoin our everyday life. But when we do so, we need to do it as a changed person, who see only Jesus and obeying His word.

Historians speculate as to why our Lord took these three disciples. Some say he took Peter because he loved Christ most, John because Christ loved him most, and James because, next to these, he loved and was loved most. The Lord knew the men whom he had chosen, and judged these three to be the fittest eye-witnesses of his glory.

1. The experience was given to undergird the faith of His Disciples. “Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. 2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.”

Jesus understanding what lay ahead, his arrest, trial and crucifixion knew this experience would fortify the faith and strengthen them to encourage the other disciples when the going gets rough. As a foretaste of His glory divine, Jesus put on the robes of his excellency for a moment and dazzled his disciples' eyes. For the first time, the disciples able to witness How low the Lord condescended to walk among men. Until this moment, Jesus’ divinity was kept closely veiled. Now He shines brighter than the sun on top of the mountain. The experience was given to undergird the faith of His Disciples. The disciples did not know what awaited them in the valley or how much suffering was ahead of them. They did not know the level of fear and anxiety they would face. These three must encourage and hold the group together.